The Complications Caused by Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Related Risk Factors in Preterm Infants Admitted to the NICU

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

2 Nursing Faculty, Meybod Nursing School, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

3 Nursing Faculty, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

10.22038/ijn.2025.82465.2589

Abstract

Background: Central venous catheter placement through a peripheral vein is considered a valuable care strategy for infants with low and very low birth weight but it can be associated with complications. This study aimed to determine the incidence of complications arising from central venous catheter placement through peripheral veins in premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to identify related risk factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 323 premature infants with central venous catheters placed through peripheral veins who were admitted to the NICU of Shahid Sadoughi Educational Hospital in Yazd. Data were collected from March 2021 to March 2024 through the completion of a checklist assessing the catheter placement site by the nurse responsible for caring for infants during each shift. parametric and non parametric data analysis using SPSS software version 16.
Results: The mean gestational age and birth weight were 30.7 ± 2.83 weeks and 1391.63 ± 467.47 grams, respectively. Besides, 27.2% of the premature infants with catheters experienced complications. The most common complications in order of frequency were phlebitis (6.2%), catheter occlusion (4%), and leakage of secretions (4%), while bloodstream infection had the lowest occurrence rate (0.9%). In the univariate logistic regression model, the likelihood of complications increased by 1.02 times for each additional day of NICU stay and was 4.6 times higher with improper catheter positioning.
Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of the catheter insertion site for the occurrence of visible complications and the catheter's positioning should be prioritized in care. Moreover, the number of days of hospitalization could be reduced by improving the quality of treatment processes and nursing care.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 17, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 8-19

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